Download FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 11 January 2017 Hoodies facing unfair

Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
11 January 2017
Hoodies facing unfair fight on the coast
Vulnerable beach-nesting Hooded Plovers are struggling for survival this breeding season
with hundreds of footprints spotted near the nesting and dune areas in Point Roadknight in
Anglesea.
Great Ocean Road Coast Committee Environment and Education Manager Katie Dolling said
this type of behaviour was causing great concern at the popular hoodie nesting area.
“Dunes, in particular, are highly sensitive ecosystems that provide habitat protection for
several native species, including the Hooded Plover, and are easily damaged by people
accessing these areas,” Ms Dolling.
In another incident, people have been disobeying signs and removing the brush matting
from the dune blowouts, trampling the fragile ecosystem and walking through the Hooded
Plover nesting zones. Ms Dolling explained that brush matting is an important conservation
technique to help prevent erosion, especially in sandy dune ecosystems.
“Students from Sandringham College spent several hours helping protect the Point
Roadknight dunes less than a month ago, only to have their hard work destroyed, which is
extremely disappointing,” said Ms Dolling. “It is unfortunate to see people walking through
the dunes and nesting areas at Point Roadknight, despite clear signage and fences.”
Hooded Plovers have one of the lowest survival rates from nest to adult of any species in the
world with a 90-95% nest failure rate.
Great Ocean Road Coast’s Conservation Supervisor Georgie Beale said it is essential
residents and holidaymakers are aware of the local wildlife in the area.
“Hooded Plover numbers are dwindling and it is important we as a community help protect
this species.
“Walking along the water’s edge is an easy way to help ensure we don’t accidently trample
the highly camouflaged ‘hoodie’ eggs and help protect the local birds,” Ms Beale said.
The Great Ocean Road Coast Committee runs a #SaveTheHoodie campaign each breeding
season to help raise awareness of the vulnerable birds. The ‘Hoodies for Hoodies’
competition sponsored by Ghanda Clothing Torquay is on again. For more information visit
www.savethehoodie.com.au.
-ENDMedia enquiries: David Petty - 0437 557 960
Caring for the coast and community
PO Box 53, Torquay, Vic 3228
Phone: 03 5220 5055 Fax: 03 5264 7763
Email: [email protected] Web: www.gorcc.com.au